new to site need advice

Hello yall. Names Ramsey and I'm new to the site. I've been a shore fisherman for some years now but I just got my tax return and am looking to get into kayak fishing. I'm looking for advice on what type of kayak I should purchase thats stable, comfortable and an all around good yak. Any help would be much appreciated!

Hey Ramsey,

I'm Paul's co-worker at Konica Minolta, I met you at the Pier Fishing Derby erlier this year. Welcome to the NCKA!
Anyway, state your height and weight and all the members will give you their opinions!

The golden rule is to paddle as much kayaks as you can before you decide what to buy! I have a Prowler 15 and  a Scupper Pro that you more than welcome to test drive. I can bring ti to work (at Foster City) and you can test paddle it in the Foster City Lagoon if you want - just let me know when your ready!

Joel

Hey Mooch thanks for the responce. I'm 5'9 and 180lbs. I think next week the rain will stop and if you can I'd like to test drive on Wednesday if possible. I appreciate your help.

Hi Ramsey, and welcome.

 When picking a kayak, Mooch is right try out as many as you can. Whats right for one might not be right for another..
I have a OC Drifter,  80% of the time I'm on lakes or rivers, it's wide and stable and does ok in the ocean. My second kayak I'm looking at is a Tarpon140....

Good luck,

Craigh

Hey Ramsey I am the smae height/weight as you. I own a Prowler and it is pretty good. I don't like the seat area though and will hopefully be getting a Cobra Maurder in the near future. Maybe someone can let you test paddle one or work with Sean (scwafish) about setting up a demo paddle sometime.

Welcome aboard1

Hey Ramsey,
Try as many as you can.  Figure out the things that are most important to you in a kayak ie: stability, hatches, comfort, speed, mounting surfaces, and do your research. I bought both of mine from Sean at GWKC.  He is a great guy and really knows his stuff!

FYI: REI will also be hosting their yearly Free Paddle Demo Days on April 29 / Saturday at Shoreline Lake in Mountain View - 10AM to 3:30PM
and at San Pablo Reservoir on April 30 / Sunday - 10AM to 3:30PM.

Paddle any kayak for free and get a coupon for 15% off one full-priced kayak.

Unfortunately, only Ocean Kayak and Wilderness System will be representing the sit-on-top kayak category 


IF you want to test drive Cobra and Malibu kayaks = Sean (Scwafish) is the man!

Other options: Half Moon Bay Kayak Company in the Princeton Harbor has rental kayaks and Kayak Connection in Santa Cruz.

call me at (650) 954.8153 when your ready to test paddle my Prowler & Scupper Pro.

I agree test drive as many as you can but try to remember there is no custom yak for you so dont dwell over the little stuff
  Scwafis(sean) is an awsome dealer he wil do you right



James

Thanks for the kind words everbody.  Try as many boats as possible, but try to narrow your field a little as well.  Look at the basics like length, width etc.  You will be amazed at the difference in personality between boats that look similar on paper.  It has been my experience that when you find the one you like, you will know almost right away. 

baymaster,
As you can see, ride em all if you can!
I spent nearly a year yearning for my yak. I selected my prowler 13 for several reasons.
I live on the coast and will fish offshore, I live near many rivers full of summer trout, and my size 5'8" at 138#.
Try to first decide what you will be doing and where, as lakes are way different than the ocean.
Each design is a little diff. just like people.
My friend bought the OK drifter and is very happy with it as well and he is your size.
Good luck and have fun with the choice!

If you plan to do a lot of fishing in the bay you should definitely think about one of the longer kayaks (13'+). I have an Ocean Kayak Caper that is 11' and it handles chop pretty poorly. Where a longer yak is long enough to "cut" across small windwaves, the Caper goes over one, then the bow dips and the next one crashes over it. The more I encounter rough conditions in the bay the more I convince myself that I'm gonna give Sean a visit in the next month or so for a new yak.

The Caper does handle well in the ocean...other than the fact that it's about the same size as a meal sized sea lion. 

i have a 140 u can try 
very happy with my tarpon 

Check out the REI in Berkeley, They have a few kayaks and Kokatat PFD's. They might have a paddle day at Berkeley Flats.